Summit to shout about

WE did it! The team at the top of the mountain

Determined teacher’s mountainous effort

A SPECIAL needs teacher who battled breast cancer and osteoporosis spent a gruelling nine hours tackling Ben Nevis for charity.

Having osteoporosis in her hips made the descent particularly difficult for Fiona Southall but the Shaw mum was determined to raise money to thank the people who supported her.

And her hard work conquering the 4,400ft Scottish mountain paid off as she raised £3,200 for Oldham Cancer Support Centre.

Supporting the 38-year-old in the climb were trainee nurse Diane Bridgwater (37), trainee teaching assistant Sara Wrigley (37), beautician Andrea Derbyshire (38), teacher Nicola Latham (38) and accountant Rachael McGhee (32), all from Shaw.

The centre provides support, advice and therapies for cancer sufferers in the borough.

Fiona, of Scowcroft Lane, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, aged 36.

She underwent two operations, four months of chemotherapy and more than 20 sessions of radiotherapy, losing her hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, and is now in remission.

Fiona said: “I am so happy at what we have achieved.

“I was recommended to go to Oldham Cancer Support Centre when I was very depressed and anxious during chemotherapy.

“I accessed counselling, Reiki, relaxation sessions and aromatherapy, as well as receiving a warm welcome from Chris Hoyle, who runs the centre, and his team of volunteers.

“This is vital psychological support for anyone with cancer and we want to raise as much as we can so the centre can carry on supporting people.”

Fiona works for Rochdale additional needs service and has an 11-year-old daughter, Martha. Before her illness, she was a keen walker and celebrated her return to fitness last September by climbing the 3,500ft Snowdon in Wales.

The team set off at 7am from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel and took four hours to climb the UK’s highest mountain, which was deep in snow for the last mile.

It took another five hours to return from the summit.

They were guided by experienced mountaineer Gareth Thomas, an architect who lives in Aberystwyth.

The team will now hold a celebration party at The Angel Inn, Heyside, on Tuesday, when they will present the final total raised to Mr Hoyle.